Answer:The 18th century 1788 to be specific.
Step-by-step explanation
The Europeans first arrived in Australia in the late 18th century, specifically in the year 1788. The British Empire, under the leadership of Captain James Cook, claimed Australia as a territory and established a penal colony in Sydney.
At the time, the British Empire was looking for new territories to expand their influence and power. Australia offered a valuable location for trading and strategic military purposes. Additionally, the British saw an opportunity to establish a new colony for their prisoners, as they were struggling to accommodate the growing number of convicts in their prisons.
The establishment of the penal colony in Australia marked the beginning of European settlement in the country. Over time, more settlers arrived from Britain and other European countries, leading to the displacement of Indigenous Australian communities and the formation of a new nation.
The Europeans first settled in Australia in 1788, as part of the British Empire's expansion efforts and the establishment of a new penal colony.